I GAZED, and lo! Afar and near, With hastening speed, now there, now here, The horseman rode with glittering spear -- 'T was awful to behold! Ten thousand men, in dread array -- On every hill and mound they lay -- A dreadful sight it was that day To see the front they formed. The polished sabres, waving high, Flashed brightly in the morning sky; While, beaming on the dazzled eye, The glittering bayonets shone. All, all was hushed among the trees, Save now and then a gentle breeze, Which stirr'd the brown and serried leaves That in the forest lay. But what is that which greets mine eye? Is it Columbia's sons I spy? Hark! Hark! I hear their battle cry -- Their shouts of victory! Still hotter does the conflict grow; While dealing death in every blow, McCook charged on the routed foe His daring little band. Rest, patriots, rest; the conflict's o'er, Your erring brethren punished sore; Oh, would they'd fight their friends no more, And cease this bloody strife. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MERLIN by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON A DAY DREAM by EMILY JANE BRONTE DO YOU FEAR THE WIND? by HAMLIN GARLAND THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS by THOMAS HOOD THE RAINY DAY by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW MOUNTAIN LAUREL by ALFRED NOYES ODE TO MASTER ANTHONY STAFFORD [TO HASTEN HIM INTO COUNTRY] by THOMAS RANDOLPH |